WorldEuropean Union expands measures on the use of toxic chemicals
EU, the European Union, has revised the Council Directive 76/769/EEC by expanding the sphere of toxic chemicals that are prohibited from the market circulation and use.

On Directive 2003/34/EC, EU has decided upon the addition of fourteen chemicals such as Cobalt Sulphate and Azobenzene to the list of carcinogens. Furthermore, three chemicals including Cadmium Fluoride are added to the list of mutagens, and eight chemicals such as Cadmium Chloride are added to the list of chemicals that are toxic to reproduction. Following the revisions, the EU's member nations must consolidate their own laws by July 7, 2004 observing the revisions, and they are required to operate the revisions by January 15, 2005.

On Directive 2003/36/EC, EU has further added nineteen chemicals such as Sodium Chromate and Beryllium Oxide to the list of carcinogens. Also, five chemicals such as Propylene Oxide are added to the list of mutagens, and seventeen chemicals including Formamide are added to the list of chemicals that are toxic to reproduction. Following the 25th revisions, the EU's member nations must consolidate their own laws by June 25, 2004 observing the revisions, and they are required to operate the revisions by December 25, 2004.